Almost a third of Jersey’s results were at the top grades of A* or A.
Yesterday, 449 pupils received results from 1,169 A-levels which, for the first time, were calculated using predicted grades and historical data held by schools after exams were cancelled owing to
Covid-19.
The figures compare to a pass rate of 98.2% in England.
The Jersey results – which include a number of schools recording 100% pass rates – also come as new statistics show that the number of applications for courses at University College Jersey, the higher-education department of Highlands College, have risen by 20%.
Education officials said it was unclear whether the rise was a direct result of this year’s unique circumstances. It is not yet known how many local students will progress with plans to go to university.
Despite the results, however, concerns have been raised by local head teachers – echoing those in the UK – about the way some A-level grades were awarded under the standardised system.
Hautlieu head teacher Nick Falle said it felt as though students had been treated as statistics rather than individuals, while Jersey College for Girls principal Carl Howarth said there had been some ‘bizarre’ and ‘unfair’ results awarded. All schools have said they will support students to appeal grades where necessary. Full story: see today’s JEP.
Assistant Education Minister Jeremy Maçon said: ‘I would like to congratulate Jersey’s A-level students for their excellent results, particularly given the challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic posed to the academic year.
‘The fantastic results that Jersey achieved reflect the high standards within Jersey’s education system as well as the hard work of students and teachers. I wish all students the best in their future endeavours – whether that is further learning, training or entering the workforce.’
While appeals are likely to affect the overall statistics, as of yesterday Jersey students achieved 12.5% A* grades and 19.8% A grades, compared to English students who achieved 8.9% and 18.7% respectively.
B grades in Jersey accounted for 30.3%, C for 22.5%, D for 11.5% and E 2.9%.
The atmosphere as students arrived at schools yesterday to collect their results was in stark contrast to previous years, when students have typically celebrated surrounded by friends, family and teachers.
Only small numbers of staff were on site to greet the students, whose families were asked to stay away. Students filed in and out one at a time at most schools, and the media was also unable to attend.
Those who did speak to the media afterwards had mixed feelings about their results and the way they had been awarded.
Echoing those views, Mr Howarth said: ‘It’s very hard, as a head teacher, or any teacher, when you know a student is absolutely on track to get a very strong A grade and a statistical model tells them they’ve got a B or a C grade. The students need to feel that the grades they have got are fair, which is why we will now work with our students and their parents to pursue every opportunity to ensure those students get their fair grade.’
Students going on to higher education should now contact their universities to confirm their places. Students who did not achieve the grades they were expecting, receiving either higher or lower marks, should contact the careers teacher at their school or college, or the Skills Jersey careers advice and guidance team, which can be contacted on 449440 from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm.
